A two-day strike by aviation workers in Kenya that disrupted flights between Nairobi and destinations across East Africa ended Tuesday after the workers reached an agreement with the government and aviation authorities.
The strike had consequences beyond Kenya, including for travelers in Rwanda. RwandAir cancelled two Kigali-Nairobi flights Monday because of air traffic control challenges at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), according to the airline. Other carriers serving Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Somalia and Mauritius also cancelled or rescheduled flights as the disruption spread across the region.
Nairobi is an important regional connection for travelers from Kigali, making disruption at JKIA capable of affecting passengers travelling beyond Kenya.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) called off the strike after signing a return-to-work agreement with the Ministry of Transport, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and Jambojet.
The strike began Sunday and disrupted operations at JKIA and other Kenyan airports, causing flight cancellations and lengthy delays. Some passengers at JKIA reported waiting for hours for information about their flights.
Under the agreement, KAA will immediately remit agency fees owed to KAWU and currently held by the authority.
KAWU and KCAA will also resume negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement, with KCAA agreeing to honor and implement the outcome of the talks.
The negotiations will follow new guidelines issued Tuesday by Kenya’s Salaries and Remuneration Commission after it withdrew an earlier advisory issued July 28.
KAWU said it had reservations about the new guidelines but would seek to address its concerns during the negotiations.
The agreement also leaves a dispute between KAWU and Jambojet over union recognition to the courts. The parties agreed to abide by the eventual ruling, while Jambojet committed to meeting legal and procedural requirements on union recognition.
Workers who participated in the strike will not face victimization, discrimination, intimidation or disciplinary action because of their involvement.
KAWU directed its members to return to work immediately and cooperate with management to restore normal operations.
The latest strike was the second major aviation labor disruption in Kenya this year, following another stoppage in February that affected operations at JKIA.
Airlines are now working to restore schedules and clear disruptions caused by the strike.
